Sledge, who died Tuesday, grew up singing in nearby cotton fields of northwest Alabama and never had been in a studio before that day. He didn't even know how to work a microphone during that first session, Johnson said.

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"I love that song, its been a hit forever. My prayers and thoughts go out to family members and fans. During your grief please take comfort in the scripture John 5:28,29. God promises that we will see our loved ones again."